Our beloved mother and grandmother, Velva N. Close, went home to the arms of her heavenly Father in the early morning hours of April 23, 2005, after a brief illness. She began her journey of life on June 25, 1916, when she was born to Riley and Ella Maud Donat in Sears, Michigan. She graduated high school in Indiana and then attended business school. She worked many years as a secretary. On February 14, 1959, Velva married the love of her life, Virgil C. Close. The two spent their lives in ministry to others through the gospel. Velva taught various Sunday School classes throughout her life. She was especially gifted and called to minister to young children in the Lord's church. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, four sisters and one brother. She is survived by her two loving and devoted daughters, Nannette (Joseph) Treutel of San Antonio and Charlene Close of San Antonio; three grandchildren, Michael (Janice) Ishee of The Woodlands, Marta Sosa of The Woodlands, and Tina (Bryan) Briley of Midland, Texas; and five great-grandchildren, Victoria Ishee and Sara Ishee, Michael H. Sosa, Mari Briley, and David Briley; and four sisters, Vera Speicher, Viola Losh, Velda Holder and Venita (Jim) Parker. Graveside services will be conducted by Matt Rice at Mission Park North Cemetery on Monday, April 25th, at 11:00 A.M. The family requests any memorials to be sent to the American Cancer Society or the charity of one's choice. To my beloved grandma who loved me unconditionally I will miss you. Marta "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:29-30. The family invites you to send condolences at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com by selecting the "Send Condolence" link. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to GRIMES FUNERAL CHAPELS Kerrville, TX 78029 (830) 257-4544

Published in Express-News on Apr. 25, 2005